This blog contains abstracts of researches in Library and Information Science (LIS) in the Philippines to facilitate the searching of information on LIS literature. It is also aimed to provide free access to research materials for LIS students both undergraduate and graduate students.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

An Assessment of the Library of Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific-Kamaya Point: Towards the Formulation of Library Development Plan

Researcher: MRS. ETHEL REYES-CAPELLAN

Course: Master of Library and Information Science

School: Saint Mary's University, Philippines

Subject Area: Library Development Plan

Year of Graduation: 2008

Introduction

Libraries today must find ways to optimize operations, maximize resources, enhance services and serve customers. Having access to real-world data on trends and dynamics impacting a broad spectrum of libraries means that library community leaders can conduct benchmarking, manage collections, prepare budgets, choose facility sites, and make other decisions with greater insight than ever before possible. These are challenging times for libraries. Libraries are essential to the educational process because they support curricula, teach information literacy, and foster critical thinking skills. They are essential partners in creating educated communities because they rpovide opportunities for self-education, life-long learning and self-improvement. Most importantly, libraries are essential places of opportunity because they level the playing field making the world of information available to anyone seeking it (De Leon, 2006).

Statement of the ProblemThe main thrust of the study was to assess the status of the library of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific-Kamaya Point, Mariveles, Bataan. Specifically, it: 1) evaluated the status of its collection, organization of the collection, facilities, staff, services and utilization, financial resources and linkages based on CHED-PSG requirements; 2) assessed in general the areas aforementioned based on the PACU-COA standard; 3) determined if there was significant differences between the assessment of the faculty and student respondents; 4) identified suggestions and recommendations of the respondent on various areas of concern for the improvement of the MAAP Library; and 5) designed a development plan to improve the services of the MAAP Library.

MethodologyThe study used a descriptive survey and documentary analysis methods of resarch. In meeting the research needs, the researcher was tasked to find out the status of the MAAP Library in terms of the instruments used by the PACU-COA prior to accreditation period. The study used questionnaire as a data-gathering tool; and documentary analysis on the actual library services and its operation.

Findings1. On Collection Development. The assessment of fcaulty and students was "very good" in general. However, the library needed to improve its collections especially on non-print, periodicals, and professional materials. The library failed CHED and PACU-COA standards on this aspect.2. On Organization and Care of Library Materials. The students and faculty rated this area "very good" which means that the library complied with the minimum requirements set by CHED and the accrediting agency.3. On Library Facilities. The assessment of both faculty and students was rated "fair." Per CHED standards, the library failed to comply with the minimum requirements on newspaper rack, study carrels, photocopier, electric fans, sound recordings, video recordings, TV and laser disc player.4. On Library Personnel. The respondents assessed the library personnel as "good" despite the MAAP Library's non-compliance with CHED and PACU-COA standards.5. On Services and Utilization. The ratings given by the faculty and students on library services was "very good" and the MAAP Library passed the requirements set by PACU-COA standards. CHED-PSG has no specifi criteria on this aspect.6. On Financial Resources. The students and faculty rated this "good" based on PACU-COA standards. CHED-PSG has no criteria on financial resources.7. On Linkages. The linkages of the MAAP Library was very limited thus, the respondents rated this "good." However, the library has been an institutional member of PAARL and the librarian is actively involved in both PAARL and PLAI.

Conclusions1. Based on the library documents, most areas of concerns in the library of MAAP have complied with the minimum requirements of CHED and this is supported by the assessment of the respondents in terms of the PACU-COA standards.2. The MAAP Library has not complied with the CHED standards on the following provisions: 1) Print and non-print materials published within the last five years; 2) Adequate paraprofessional staff; 3) Library services such as photocopying, bibliographic, research, readers' advisory, indexing, abstracting, current awareness and document delivery services; 4) Physical facilities such as newspaper rack, study carrels, photocopier, electric fans, sound recordings, video recordings, TV, and laser disc player; 5) Clearly defined and specified budget for MAAP Library; 6) Involvement to library linkages.3. There is a need to improve, enhance and modernize the collection, physical facilities, services and linkages of the library to meet over and beyond the minimum requirements of accrediting bodies in order tp provide quality Matime Education in local, national and international community. The personnel need to undergo training to upgrade them.

Recommendations1. A Library Development Plan for AY 2008-2013 shall be developed and should be implemented to improve the quality of existing collection and other areas of concerns as stated in the PACU-COA instruments.2. MAAP administrators should strengthen their support to the Library Development Program and to the Textbook and Reference Selection Board in order to improve the human as well as financial resources as contributory factors to the realization of Maritime Education and training objectives.3. The top management shall include in their future plan to establish a one-building library to accommodate all midshipmen, faculty, trainees and other researchers of the MAAP Library.4. Facilities and equipment like newspaper rack, additional shelves for periodicals, carrels, additional maps, globes and television shall immediately be procured for quality improvement.5. The library must be provided with additional library staff and clerks to better improve the library system and to serve the clients better. Thus, other library work will also be put into focus.